Nets 129 vs. 121 Pacers summary: stats, scores and highlights | NBA
Pacers vs Nets
Kyrie Irving is back with the Brooklyn Nets, and the Nets are back in the win column after a three game losing skid. The Nets used a fantastic end to the third quarter to spring them to a 129-121 victory over the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Kyrie back with a bang
After nearly half of the season, Brooklyn gave their star point guard the green light to return, and participate in their road games after previously saying that he would not be a part of the team. Three weeks ago those in the front office changed their mind and Wednesday night was the date that Kyrie would return to action for the first time since June 10th.
The early part of Irving’s return did not go as planned for him or for the Nets. Kyrie was held scoreless by the Pacers defense, as Indiana shot lights out to start the game. Well, more like Lance Stephenson shot lights out. He hit 20 points off the bench in the first quarter to give the Pacers a 37-32 lead.
Pacers dominated until last minutes of 3rd
For the next two quarters the Pacers were in command, dominating a frustrated looking Nets side that seemed a bit out of sync with so much fire power back on the floor at the same time. Indiana stretched the lead out to 19 and they looked like there were on the verge of snapping their five game losing streak that dates back to before Christmas, but the Nets found their rhythm right before the fourth quarter.
Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving led a 13-3 run heading into the fourth quarter to tighten the gap. Suddenly the Pacers team that shot 60% from the field and scored 73 points in the firsthalf went ice cold. Give credit to the Nets defense, who very often get overlooked because of the offensive potential of the Big Three.
Mills gives Nets first lead since 1st quarter
Patty Mills gave Brooklyn their first lead of the second half on a three that made it 107-106, and their first lead since it was 30-29 late in the first quarter. Once they had the lead, they didn’t look back. The Nets went up by as much as 10 points in the final minutes of the game.
Kevin Durant finished the game with 39 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists and Kyrie Irving had 22 points in 32 minutes in his season debut. Not only did Irving’s game look polished but he didn’t have any trouble with his fitness. He will be slowly getting back to 100%, but if tonight is any indication, he might be there sooner than many people think.
Kyrie Irving is back with the Brooklyn Nets, and the Nets are back in the win column after a three game losing skid. The Nets used a fantastic end to the third quarter to spring them to a 129-121 victory over the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Kyrie back with a bang
After nearly half of the season, Brooklyn gave their star point guard the green light to return, and participate in their road games after previously saying that he would not be a part of the team. Three weeks ago those in the front office changed their mind and Wednesday night was the date that Kyrie would return to action for the first time since June 10th.
The early part of Irving’s return did not go as planned for him or for the Nets. Kyrie was held scoreless by the Pacers defense, as Indiana shot lights out to start the game. Well, more like Lance Stephenson shot lights out. He hit 20 points off the bench in the first quarter to give the Pacers a 37-32 lead.
Pacers dominated until last minutes of 3rd
For the next two quarters the Pacers were in command, dominating a frustrated looking Nets side that seemed a bit out of sync with so much fire power back on the floor at the same time. Indiana stretched the lead out to 19 and they looked like there were on their was to snapping their five game losing streak that dates back to before Christmas, but the Nets found their rhythm right before the fourth quarter.
Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving led a 13-3 run heading into the fourth quarter to tighten the gap. Suddenly the Pacers team that shot 60% from the field and scored 73 points in the firsthalf went ice cold. Give credit to the Nets defense, who very often get overlooked because of the offensive potential of the Big Three.
Mills gives Nets first lead since 1st quarter
Patty Mills gave Brooklyn their first lead of the second half on a three that made it 107-106, and their first lead since it was 30-29 late in the first quarter. Once they had the lead, they didn’t look back. The Nets went up by as much as 10 points in the final minutes of the game.
Kevin Durant finished the game with 39 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists and Kyrie Irving had 22 points in 32 minutes in his season debut. Not only did Irving’s game look polished but he didn’t have any trouble with his fitness. He will be slowly getting back to 100%, but if tonight is any indication, he might be there sooner than many people think.
Kyrie Irving had 22 p, 3 r, and 4 a in his return to action, while KD posted 39, 6 and 7
The Pacers led by 19 with ten minutes left in the third quarter. After that the Nets took over, in the final they outscored Indiana 67-40 in that span.
It's all over from Indiana!!! The Nets win it after a brilliant final fifteen minutes.
Bembry wide open for the slam down main street and that was the nail in the coffin. 10 point lead with a minute to go.
Kyrie taking over in the fourth quarter! Strong drive, and a gentile kiss off the glass. He's got 22 in his comeback.
KD drops the mid range jumper, and how do you focus on if your an opposing defense? If you double KD, then Harden or Irving will kill you. If you stop the Irving penetration you leave Harden and KD open on the perimeter. Three is a crowd for opposing D's.
Sabonis flips it over his head after getting fouled by Harden, he drops the shot and gets the free throw after the And 1.
Sabonis has a triple double, and his third against the Nets. He has 30, 12, and 10
Sabonis down low, and he is drawing so much attention down low. He had to drop that with three defenders around him.
This game isn't lost for the Pacers just yet, but the Pacers look lost. After a brilliant first half they have gone flat. They have just 8 points in this fouth quarter.
Stephenson down the middle for the easy slam, and the Pacers would love to see him come to life again. This is just his second ever 30 point game, his career high is 33
Kyrie getting into the mix in the fourth quarter with consecutive buckets, 13-1 run for the the Nets over the last three minutes and change.
Kyrie has 17 points, 3 rebounds and 4 assists.
Mills drains the three ball and the Nets lead for the first time since it was 30-29
The shots just aren't falling for the Pacers. Washington had a wide open look from the top of the key and it rattles out. That would have gone in during the hot first half.
Bembry on the follow up and the Nets lead the second chance points 17-8
The Pacers need a heavy dose of Sabonis in this final quarter. 20 points from Stephenson wouldn't be terrible either, but he's scored just 8 over the last two quarters.
Claxton with the rebound and the put back!! The Nets are within 3 points with 9 minutes to go.
Indiana's offense has shut down, but give credit to the Nets. They have turned on the defense when it mattered.
Turner taking advantage of a mismatch down low. Indy could use a few more high percentage shots after letting the Nets get back into this game.
The Nets with a huge end to the third quarter to close the gap to 7. An 8-0 run from the visitors has Brooklyn closer than they have been since early in the second quarter.
Irving with his first points of second half, and will he be the one to get the Nets back into this game?
Washington with a corner three ball and the Pacers lead by 17 with 3:01 to go in the third quarter
Sykes drops the long two ball, and the Pacers are shooting a shade under 60% from the field.
The Pacers have had a double digit lead since mid way thorugh the second quarter. They are keeping the Nets in an arms distance from them tonight, not allowing big runs for Brooklyn.
How much are the Nets missing Joey Harris? They are just 2-14 from behing the arc
KD finally gets on the board in the second half with a strong drive and a stronger finish.
Some instant offense from Bembry who sparks a 9-2 run. You think Steve Nash game planned for DeAndre Bembry to come out in the second half and bring the Nets back in this game?
So far it's Harden who is the one lagging back in Kyrie's return. He has 9 points to this so far.
We are back in play from Indiana with the Pacers leding big after a 73 point first half. We came into this game talking about the Pacers defense, but he Nets are having their own problems.
KD leads the Nets with 20 points, while Kyrie warmed up in that second half and scored 8 points.
It was the Lance Stephenson show in that first half! He heads to the locker room with 24 on 9-11 shooting.
The Nets don't have an answer for Sabonis, he has 18,8, and 6 going to halftime.
Sabonis with another lay up underneath and we have under a minute to go in Indiana
Griffin just got rim checked on an attempted dunk. Man how time catches up to you.
It wasn't uncontested to be fair, but in his prime Blake smashes that. In any case Aldrige was there for the put back
Stephenson goees to the line and hits both to the sweet sound of MVP around the Gainbridge Field house.
The Pacers have 61 points and there are still almost four minutes left in the half.
How money is Aldrige's? I haven't seen him miss a mid range jumper in a decade
IND are up 12 and that's the largest lead of the night. They led by 16 in the first match up against the Nets this season, the Pacers will be hoping history doesn't repeat tonight.
Everthing is revolving around Sabonis at the moment, which should come as no surprise IND's offense lives and dies with the Pacers big man.
He's on the bench now being tended to with a cut on the arm
Brissett drops two three balls out of the timeout and IND by 9.
Irving is turning it on in this second quarter. He's got 8 quick points and he may not take as long as I thought for him to look like the Kyrie of always.
Finally Irving gets on the board. That looked like the old Kyrie, quick dribble into the middle, stops on a dime and fades away at the line. He'll find himself as this game goes on. Seeing that first one go in always helps.
Stevenson is out of this world!!!! He hits the buzzer beater three ball to end the quarter with 20 points off the bench!!!
Make that 17 points in 5 minutes. How said tonight was all about Kyrie?
Stevenson going back to work! This time from inside the paint. He has the last 14 points for the Pacers.
KD has a way of scoring points without you even realizing. It's almost numbing. Hs has 13 points
Stephenson has 12 points in 4 minutes off the bench!! Who is going to stop this man?
Irving has checked in for the final 3 minutes of the first quarter.
STEPHENSON SINKS A HEAT CHECK!!! He lauched a three ball knowing he's got the hot hand. He cannot miss at the moment.
Stephenson is hot off the bench, he's 3/3 since he came in the game and had 7 points
Johnson breaks the run with a three ball, and will it be Johnson to fill the sharp shooting shoes of Joey Harris?
The Pacers come out of the timeout with an 8-0 run.
Irving comes out of the timeout on the bench after playing just five minutes.
Irving has had a quiet start. He understandably looks a bit out of rhythm. It will take more than just a game for him to get his feet under him.
Sabonis to the line and drops a coulpe free throws. He will have to be stellar tonight to give the Pacers any sort of chance.
Both teams starting to heat up after a slow start. Holiday drops a three and then Durant responds. No better way to break a zone then outside shooting.
Miles Turner letting the Nets know there will be no easy buckets around the rim. He is the top shot blocker in the league, just as I say that Harden drops a jumper in his face.
The Pacers start off in a zone, and KD hits a couple mid range jumpers to start the game.
We have to keep on eye on Kyrie throughout the night. Obviosly he hasn't been playing much with his team, but another question coming into tonight is what is his fitness level like?
Irving wasting no time, jacks a three on the first possession of the game.
The Nets are starting their 16th different starting 5, and HERE WE GO!!
The poor Pacers, looking to stop their five game losing skid, and it just so happens Kyrie comes back after missing almost half the season.
Brogdon on COVID list
Matthew Brogdon leads the Pacers with 19 ppg, 5.3 rpg, and 6.1 apg, but was battling an achilles injury in December, and then was put in COVID protocols just before the New Year. Domantas Sabonis is getting 18.4 points per game with 11.9 rebounds and 4.4 assists.
Durant and Harden step up without Kyrie
In the 35 games that Kyrie has missed Kevin Durant and James Harden have picked up the slack. Harden is averaging 22.7 points per game, 8.2 rebounds and 9.9 assists while Durant is averaging 29.7 points, 7.7 rebounds and 5.7 assists.
Nets still flying high despite injuries
Despite the injuries and COVID issues, and despite not having Kyrie up until this point of the season the Nets are off to a great start. Despite their three game losing streak they are 23-12 and sit second in the Eastern Conference, while the Pacers sit 13th at 14-24.
Kyrie speaks
In his first chat with media since rejoining the team, Kyrie told reporters “they were just able to be supportive of allowing me to be available for road games — that was the goal once this state mandate came in. It didn’t work in October but now that we’re here, I’m praying that it works."
Nets turn decision not to play Kyrie around
Kyrie tested positive for Covid in the middle of December, and perhaps that has a bit to do with why the Nets have invited him back into the mix. The Nets announced three weeks ago that they would be permitting to rejoin the team on a part time basis, and he looks set to make his season debut tonight. The Nets have 25 road games remaining this season.
Brooklyn has been banged up all season
While the worst of the injury/COVID bug seems to be in the rear view, at the moment Lamarcus Aldrige, and Joey Harris are out with short term injuries, as Brook Lopez continues to nurse a back injury.
New York law prohibits Irving from playing in-state
Regulations in the State of New York require anyone who enters a gymnasium, or a public event to be vaccinated, leaving Irving on the sideline for the first half of the season. While in theory Kyrie would be able to play road games with the Nets (like he will tonight), he is not able to practice or play any games held in the state of New York. Brooklyn took a stance on the issue that Steve Nash said he hoped would resolve itself, but hasn’t yet. The stance they took was to keep Kyrie apart from the team, but now it appears recent injuries have forced the hand of the franchise.
Kyrie back in action tonight
The much anticipated return of Kyrie Irving has been met with mix reactions. The drama started in the offseason, and even before that when Irving stated he was not going to get vaccinated. His stance has been strong and he has stuck to his convictions, but is has cost him and the Nets nearly half of a season.
Pacers dreadful defense
Defense has been the problem for the boys from Indy. They have given up triple digits in their last 10 games. The last time they held a team under 100 points was against the Mavs in early December.
Pacers need a win
It appears the Pacers are still suffering from a post-Christmas hangover. They haven’t won a game since Christmas Eve when they beat the Houston Rockets 118-106 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Since then, Indiana has lost to the Bulls twice, the Hornets, the Cavs and most recently the Knicks. RJ Barrett and Julius Randle combined for 62 points in New Yorks' win at Madison Square Garden as the Knicks outmuscled the the Pacers down low. NY scored 54 points in the paint and pulled down 51 rebounds.
Brooklyn's roster suffers
Brooklyn is going through a bit of a rough patch at the moment. Their roster has been decimated by injuries and covid, and as a result they have slid into a three game losing streak. The Nets last lost to the Grizzlies in a game where they were out rebounded 61-33. Memphis dragged down 23 offensive rebounds in the 118-104 win.
Injury woes forced Nets hand
Hello everyone and welcome to Indiana where tonight’s contest will play second fiddle to the return of an NBA superstar who is yet to play this season. Injury woes have forced the Nets hand and they have decided to reincorporate their star point guard who has been draped in off the court controversy.